Dimitrije Vasiljevic To Perform At The Kennedy Center As Part Of The European Month Of Culture

On the occasion of the European Month of Culture, pianist and composer Dimitrije Vasiljevic will perform in Washington, D.C. in a solo piano concert presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with the Embassy of Serbia in the United States and LeitmotivArts.

Vasiljevic will perform his original compositions from his upcoming solo piano album as well as works of some well-known American jazz masters in his own arrangements.

Prior to moving to the United States in 2007, Vasiljevic was a member of prominent jazz ensembles and performed throughout Europe. He is performing extensively at renowned jazz clubs and concert halls in New York City. Following a very successful debut at Carnegie Hall in March 2014, he recently participated in the International Jazz Day celebration with a piano concert at the United Nations Headquarters on April 30.

A Serbia native, this Berklee College of Music and the NYU Steinhardt School graduate will begin doctoral studies at the Jazz Division of the University of Illinois School of Music in the fall this year.

Vasiljevic released his debut album as a leader The Path of Silvan" consisting entirely of his original compositions and he is currently working on a solo piano album.

The concert takes place at the Millennium Stage on Monday 12 May, beginning at 6.00pm.

I was first exposed to jazz when I discovered that one of Jimi Hendrix's influences was Wes Montgomery. I played guitar growing up and idolized Hendrix, so I knew that anyone he looked up to must be good

I was first exposed to jazz when I discovered that one of Jimi Hendrix's influences was Wes Montgomery. I played guitar growing up and idolized Hendrix, so I knew that anyone he looked up to must be good. I was 16 at the time. I went to Tower Records and purchased a CD by Wes, and I was hooked from the very first ten seconds. The sound of the song Lolita illuminated my bedroom, as I just sat back amazed at how colorful and soulful this music was--I understood it, even though at the time I didn't understand how to go about playing it. I get chills listening to Wes' solo on Lolita, and I can still listen to that song ten times in a row and never get tired of it. There is a truly timeless quality to genuinely spontaneous jazz music, and it is that quality that has inspired me to devote my life to studying and playing this music.